Dubai Holding, the investment holding company, announced today title sponsorship of Dubai Women’s Run through an AED5 million agreement with the UAE Athletics Federation to strengthen the race as Dubai’s official international run for women. Following this sponsorship which extends over five years, the race will now be called Dubai Holding Women’s Run.

This sponsorship aligns with Dubai Holding’s Corporate Wellness Programme, the first-ever Corporate Wellness Programme in the Middle East, which encourages employees to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. In 2013, Dubai Holding sponsored the prize money as well as introduced a special prize category for UAE National runners in both 10K and 5K races.

Ahmad Bin Byat, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding, said: “Dubai Holding is proud of this agreement that comes as the logical next step following the success witnessed with our Dubai Marathon sponsorship. We believe that healthy bodies equal healthy minds and we are fully committed to supporting the community and empowering women through sports. The sponsorship will allow us to achieve this as we work to encourage Dubai citizens and residents live an active, healthy lifestyle, and ultimately enhance the quality of their life.”

Ahmad Al Kamali, International Association of Athletics Federation Council Member and President of the UAE Athletics Federation, added: “The patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the National Olympic Committee, Dubai Holding’s sponsorship and the support of Dubai Sports Council and other local authorities will take this year’s race to the next level. We have a responsibility to inspire women and encourage them to make physical fitness an essential part of their daily life. I look forward to seeing many more participants crossing the finish line in November.”